AIADMK slams DMK on freebies

Chennai: Opposition AIADMK on Thursday slammed the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu for its freebies, especially the Colour TV scheme, and wondered what social justice had they ensured as claimed by the DMK.

Participating in the debate on the interim budget, Deputy Leader of the AIADMK Legislature, O Panneerselvam said the government had spent around Rs 4,000 crore on the free Colour TV scheme and asked if this was a useful investment.

"What social justice has this ensured," he said even as the government sought an additional Rs 258.22 crore towards the scheme under its final supplementary estimates for 2010- 11.

PMK founder Ramadoss, besides the AIADMK, has been opposed to the freebies of the ruling party, saying focus should be on employment generation.

Panneerselvam, also a former chief minster, charged the state government with failing to act effectively on inter- state water issues including the Mullaperiyar Dam stand-off with Kerala.